Installing yt-dlp Using pip

pip is the recommended method for installing yt-dlp when you have Python available. This guide covers all pip installation methods, from basic installation to advanced configurations.

Prerequisites

Python Version Requirements

yt-dlp requires:

• Python 3.9+ (CPython)
• Python 3.10+ (PyPy)

Check your Python version:

python3 --version

python --version

pip Installation

Ensure pip is installed and up-to-date:

python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip

python -m pip install --upgrade pip

Basic Installation

Standard Installation with Default Dependencies

The recommended installation method includes common optional dependencies:

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]"

This installs yt-dlp with:

• Core functionality
• Most common optional dependencies
• Enhanced networking capabilities
• Basic post-processing support

Minimal Installation

For a minimal installation without optional dependencies:

python3 -m pip install -U yt-dlp

This provides core functionality only, without optional features like:

• Advanced networking protocols
• Browser impersonation
• Extended metadata support
• Some post-processing capabilities

Advanced Installation Options

Installation with Specific Feature Sets

Browser Impersonation Support

For sites that require browser impersonation to bypass TLS fingerprinting:

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default,curl-cffi]"

This adds curl_cffi for impersonating Chrome, Edge, and Safari browsers.

Minimal with Selected Dependencies

Install minimal version with specific optional dependencies:

With networking enhancements only

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[networking]"

With post-processing support only

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[postprocessing]"

Multiple feature sets

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[networking,postprocessing]"

Development and Pre-release Versions

Latest Development Version

Install the latest pre-release/development version:

python3 -m pip install -U --pre "yt-dlp[default]"

Install from GitHub Master Branch

Get the absolute latest code from the master branch:

Ensure build tools are available

python3 -m pip install -U pip hatchling wheel

Install from master branch

python3 -m pip install -U --force-reinstall "yt-dlp[default] @ https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/archive/master.tar.gz"

Install Specific Development Build

Install from a specific commit or branch:

From specific commit

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default] @ https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/archive/COMMIT_HASH.tar.gz"

From specific branch

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default] @ https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/archive/BRANCH_NAME.tar.gz"

Virtual Environment Installation

Creating a Virtual Environment

Using virtual environments is recommended to avoid conflicts:

Create virtual environment

python3 -m venv yt-dlp-env

Activate virtual environment On Linux/macOS:

source yt-dlp-env/bin/activate

On Windows:

yt-dlp-env\Scripts\activate

Install yt-dlp in virtual environment

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]"

Using pipx (Recommended for CLI Tools)

pipx automatically creates isolated environments for CLI applications:

Install pipx if not available

python3 -m pip install --user pipx

Install yt-dlp with pipx

pipx install "yt-dlp[default]"

Update yt-dlp via pipx

pipx upgrade yt-dlp

Platform-Specific Instructions

Windows

Using Python Launcher

If you have the Python Launcher installed:

py -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]"

PowerShell Execution Policy

If you encounter execution policy issues:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

python -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]"

Windows Store Python

For Windows Store Python installations:

python -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]"

macOS

System Python vs Homebrew Python

Using system Python (if available)

python3 -m pip install --user -U "yt-dlp[default]"

Using Homebrew Python

/opt/homebrew/bin/python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]"

macOS Catalina and Later

On newer macOS versions, you may need to use --user flag:

python3 -m pip install --user -U "yt-dlp[default]"

Linux

Distribution-Specific Considerations

Ubuntu/Debian:

Install Python pip if not available

sudo apt update

sudo apt install python3-pip

Install yt-dlp

python3 -m pip install --user -U "yt-dlp[default]"

Fedora/CentOS/RHEL:

Install Python pip if not available

sudo dnf install python3-pip

Install yt-dlp

python3 -m pip install --user -U "yt-dlp[default]"

Arch Linux:

Install Python pip if not available

sudo pacman -S python-pip

Install yt-dlp

python3 -m pip install --user -U "yt-dlp[default]"

Updating yt-dlp

Standard Update

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]"

Force Reinstall

If you encounter issues with updates:

python3 -m pip install -U --force-reinstall "yt-dlp[default]"

Update to Latest Development Version

python3 -m pip install -U --pre "yt-dlp[default]"

Troubleshooting pip Installation

Common Issues and Solutions

Permission Errors

Problem: Permission denied during installation

Solutions:

Use --user flag (recommended)

python3 -m pip install --user -U "yt-dlp[default]"

Or use virtual environment (recommended)

python3 -m venv yt-dlp-env

source yt-dlp-env/bin/activate

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]"

SSL Certificate Errors

Problem: SSL certificate verification failures

Solutions:

Upgrade certificates

python3 -m pip install --upgrade certifi

If still failing, use trusted host (less secure)

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]" --trusted-host pypi.org --trusted-host pypi.python.org --trusted-host files.pythonhosted.org

Dependency Conflicts

Problem: Conflicting dependencies

Solutions:

Use virtual environment

python3 -m venv clean-env

source clean-env/bin/activate

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]"

Or use minimal installation

python3 -m pip install -U yt-dlp

Build Failures

Problem: Failed building wheel or compilation errors

Solutions:

Install build dependencies

python3 -m pip install -U pip setuptools wheel

Use pre-built wheels only

python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]" --only-binary=all

PATH Issues

Problem: yt-dlp command not found after installation

Solutions:

Check installation location

python3 -m pip show -f yt-dlp

Add to PATH (Linux/macOS)

echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc

source ~/.bashrc

Use python module directly

python3 -m yt_dlp --version

Verification

Check Installation

Check if yt-dlp is installed

python3 -m pip show yt-dlp

Check version

yt-dlp --version

python3 -m yt_dlp --version

Test Basic Functionality

Test with a simple video

yt-dlp --simulate "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ"

Configuration for pip Installations

Default Configuration

Create a configuration file for consistent behavior:

Linux/macOS

mkdir -p ~/.config/yt-dlp

cat > ~/.config/yt-dlp/config << 'EOF'
# Default format selection
-f 'bestvideo[height<=1080]+bestaudio/best[height<=1080]'

# Output template
-o '%(uploader)s/%(title)s.%(ext)s'

# Embed metadata
--embed-metadata
--embed-chapters
EOF

Environment Variables

Set up environment variables for pip installations:

Add to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc

export YT_DLP_CONFIG_HOME="$HOME/.config/yt-dlp"

export YT_DLP_CACHE_DIR="$HOME/.cache/yt-dlp"

Comparison with Other Installation Methods

pip vs Binary Installation

Aspect	pip Installation	Binary Installation
Dependencies	Requires Python	Self-contained
Updates	pip install -U	yt-dlp -U
Customization	Full Python ecosystem	Limited
Size	Smaller (uses system Python)	Larger (includes Python)
Flexibility	High (virtual environments)	Limited
System Integration	Uses system Python	Independent

When to Use pip

Choose pip installation when:

• You already have Python installed
• You want the latest features and updates
• You need to integrate with Python scripts
• You want to use virtual environments
• You prefer package manager control

Choose binary installation when:

• You don't have Python or don't want to install it
• You want a simple, self-contained solution
• You're on a system where pip installation is problematic
• You prefer standalone applications

Advanced pip Usage

Installing Specific Versions

Install specific version

python3 -m pip install "yt-dlp==2023.12.30"

Install version range

python3 -m pip install "yt-dlp>=2023.12.30,<2024.01.01"

Install latest version in a series

python3 -m pip install "yt-dlp~=2023.12.0"

Dependency Management

Generate requirements file

python3 -m pip freeze | grep yt-dlp > requirements.txt

Install from requirements file

python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt

Show dependency tree

python3 -m pip show yt-dlp

Development Installation

For contributing to yt-dlp development:

Clone repository

git clone https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp.git

cd yt-dlp

Install in development mode

python3 -m pip install -e ".[default]"

pip installation provides the most flexible and up-to-date way to install yt-dlp, especially for users who already have Python in their workflow. The ability to use virtual environments, install development versions, and integrate with Python scripts makes it the preferred method for power users and developers.